National Chamber Orchestra sets inaugural gala for June 27 in Washington

The National Chamber Orchestra will host its inaugural gala June 27 in Washington, D.C., as a fundraising event to support performances, education and community outreach. The evening will feature Jean Ferrandis, Hui-Chuan Chen and Trey Walton, plus auctions, Persian cuisine and a program built around classical masterworks. Why it matters: - The National Chamber Orchestra is using its first inaugural gala to raise money for artistic programming, education and community outreach. - The event is designed to help the Washington-area ensemble expand its impact and support the next generation of musicians. - Supporters, sponsors and donors will directly fund orchestra initiatives through ticket sales and auction proceeds. What happened: - The National Chamber Orchestra announced its 2026 Inaugural Gala for Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Washington, D.C. - The gala will bring together musicians, arts patrons, community leaders and music fans for a fundraising evening. - The event will feature performances by Trey Walton, Jean Ferrandis and Hui-Chuan Chen. The details: - The evening begins with a reception featuring pianist, composer, arranger and conductor Trey Walton. - Walton is the founder and artistic director of Bleu Opera Company. - The main chamber music program pairs flutist Jean Ferrandis with pianist Hui-Chuan Chen. - The program includes Claude Debussy’s Syrinx and Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Spring Sonata and Giulio Briccialdi’s La Traviata Fantasy. - Guests will be served Persian cuisine and refreshments. - Silent and live auctions will offer unique experiences, artwork, cultural opportunities and donated items. - Auction proceeds will support the orchestra’s artistic programming and educational initiatives. - The National Chamber Orchestra was founded in 2022 and is led by Artistic Director and Conductor Julien Benichou. - Benichou also serves as Artistic Director of the Washington Opera Society, Music Director of the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra, Music Director of the Accord Symphony, Permanent Principal Guest Conductor of the Orchestre de Chambre de Marseille and Director of Orchestras for the Washington Conservatory. - Benichou co-founded the Cévennes Lyriques Festival in France. - For more information, readers can contact Caleb Bates at administration@ncomusic.org. - The orchestra also directs readers to its social media presence, including its Facebook page . Between the lines: - The gala is as much a visibility play as a fundraiser, giving the orchestra a stage to showcase its artistic profile and donor network. - The artist lineup and repertoire signal a traditional classical program built to appeal to both patrons and broader community audiences. - The emphasis on education and youth outreach suggests the orchestra is positioning itself as a long-term cultural institution, not just a performance group. What’s next: - The orchestra will hold the gala on June 27 and use the event to raise funds for its next round of concerts, education efforts and outreach work. - Community members, corporate sponsors, philanthropic partners and donors are being invited to attend or contribute through sponsorships and auction donations. - NCO says additional event details, future performances and educational programs will be available through its website and social channels.